US to Engage in Chagos Sovereignty Talks Amid Controversial Agreement**

The US will take part in negotiations concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, following a contentious agreement between Mauritius and the UK. Prime Minister Ramgoolam expressed optimism for a resolution while acknowledging criticism of previous negotiations.**

The US will be involved in upcoming discussions regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a topic that has ignited controversy due to the recent agreement between Mauritius and the UK. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced this development, emphasizing a desire for increased dialogue and collaboration.

In October, a noteworthy deal was reached when the UK pledged to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands—officially termed the British Indian Ocean Territory—to Mauritius. However, the UK simultaneously secured a 99-year lease on the significant military facility located on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the group. Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth was instrumental in negotiating this agreement, yet Ramgoolam has since criticized its terms.

Recent political shifts have led to delays, linked to the Biden administration’s review of the agreement. Ramgoolam's office, communicating through Instagram, indicated that a representative from the incoming US administration will attend the discussions, highlighting a commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution. Ramgoolam aims to solidify the relationship, stating his belief in the potential for a "positive resolution."

Nevertheless, Ramgoolam has voiced concerns regarding the inadequacy of the deal he inherited, labeling it a "sell-out." He criticized the agreed terms, particularly expressing discontent with lease payment structures that he argues are not safeguarded against inflation, as well as a clause that could allow for extended UK control over Diego Garcia for an additional 40 years.

The US's stance on this matter remains somewhat ambiguous. Notably, Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State prior to taking office, had expressed that the agreement could pose challenges by potentially strengthening ties with China, given Mauritius's preexisting trade agreements with Beijing.

The Chagos Islands have a complex history, as they were seized by the UK from Mauritius in 1965, leading to the eviction of their indigenous population to facilitate the construction of the Diego Garcia base. Despite gaining independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius continues to assert its claim over the islands. In 2019, an advisory opinion from the UN’s highest court declared the UK’s administration of the islands unlawful.

Voices from the Chagos community vary, as many islanders and their descendants, scattered across Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK, have expressed dissatisfaction over their exclusion from these negotiations. This ongoing dispute reflects the fraught interplay of international relations, historical legacies, and the aspirations of the Chagos islanders themselves.